Rhododendron Rootstock named &#34;Rhodunter 149&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Rhododendron  hybrid plant used as a rootstock that exhibits a high lime tolerance and vigorous growth.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Rhododendron hybrid

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Rhodunter 149’

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofRhododendron hybrid used as a rootstock known by the varietal name‘Rhodunter 149’. The new variety was discovered in Ahrensburg, Germany.The new variety is the result of a planned breeding program between anunpatented Rhododendron fortunei (female parent) and C. V. ‘Cunningham'sWhite’ (unpatented male parent). ‘Rhodunter 149’ exhibits leaves andflowers that are more similar to its female parent than to its maleparent. Additionally, ‘Rhodunter 149’ exhibits more vigorous growth whencompared to its male parent. Further, the new variety differs from bothparents in its improved tolerance to lime. In fact, such improved limetolerance (no Fe-deficiency symptoms on soils up to 6.9 pH)distinguishes the new variety from other Rhododendron varieties known tothe breeder. ‘Rhodunter 149’ has been trial and field tested and hasbeen found to retain its distinctive characteristics and remain true totype through successive propagations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographic drawings illustrate the new variety, withthe color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrationsof this type.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a typical flowering plant of the new varietygrown to a flowering plant; and

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the inflorescences of the new variety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected by asexual reproductions performed via cuttings or in vitroculture carried out in Ahrensburg, Germany. The color readings weretaken in natural daylight. Color measurements were taken outside undernatural daylight. Color references are primarily to the R.H.S. ColourChart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

-   Plant:    -   -   Time to initiate roots.—About 90 days at 22-25° C.        -   Time to produce a finished flowering plant from a rooted            cutting.—About 4 years in the field.        -   Rooting habit.—Compact root bales.        -   Form.—Spreading.        -   Height.—50 cm at 3 years.        -   Diameter.—40 cm at 3 years.        -   Vigor.—Strong.        -   Branching habit.—Compact.        -   Disease, drought and pest resistance.—No observations made            to date.        -   Trunk (at 4 years).—Diameter: 3 cm. Height: 5 cm above soil.            Bark color: Greenish-red/brown. Texture: Hard. Pubescence:            Absent. Form: Erect.        -   Lateral branches.—Diameter: 5-7 mm. Internode length:            1-2 cm. Texture: Hard. Pubescence: Absent. Color:            Greenish-red/brown.        -   Leaves.—Arrangement: Alternate. Length: 20 cm maximum.            Width: 7.5 cm maximum. Shape: Oblanceolate. Apex: Broad.            Base: Tapering. Pubescence: Absent. Color: Upper surface:            147B for young leaves and 147A for mature leaves. Lower            surface: 147C for both young and mature leaves. Margins:            Entire. Venation pattern: Normal Rhododendron leaf pattern.            Vein color: Upper surface: 144A. Lower surface: 145C.            Bracts: None present.        -   Flower.—Natural flowering season: Beginning of May until the            end of May in Northern Germany. Fragrance: Typical of            Rhododendron fortunei. Buds (described before bursting):            Shape: Oblong. Width: 20 mm. Length: 40 mm. Color: 67A.            Spike: Number of flowers per spike: 10-15. Length: 15 cm.            Diameter: 15 cm. Corolla petals: Shape: Widely            funnel-shaped. Number: 7. Length: 45-55 mm. Width: 80 mm.            Apex: Round. Margin: Undulate. Color: When opening: 67B.            Fully opened (upper surface): 74C to 74D. (lower surface):            84B/C. Corolla throat: Tube length: 20 mm. Color: 153A.            Texture: Wax-like.        -   Reproductive organs.—Stamens: Number: 14. Length: 30 mm.            Anthers: Shape: Normal Rhododendron type. Color: Yellow.            Length: 25 mm. Pollen: Amount of pollen: Medium. Color of            pollen: Light brown. Pistil: Number: 1. Style: Color:            Yellow. Length: 45 mm; filiform. Stigma: Shape: Undivided.            Color: Brown.        -   Seeds.—Production: Seed capsules mature in November when            pollinated in May. Length: 2 mm. Color: Brown. Number:            Approximately 200 per capsule.

1. A new and distinct variety of Rhododendron hybrid plant, as is hereinillustrated and described.